U.S. patent application number 11/064584 was filed with the patent office on 2006-08-24 for stackable modular general purpose rectangular connector.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tyco Electronics Corporation. Invention is credited to William Henry Bernhart, John A. Fulponi, Brent David Yohn.
Application Number | 20060189185 11/064584 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36587072 |
Filed Date | 2006-08-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060189185 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bernhart; William Henry ; et
al. |
August 24, 2006 |
Stackable modular general purpose rectangular connector
Abstract
A stackable modular connector assembly, is provided. The
stackable modular connector assembly includes a track having a pair
of juxtaposed rails each defining an elongate channel formed
therein. Desirably, the channels are oriented toward one another.
The stackable modular connector assembly further includes a
plurality of connector shells operatively engageable with the
track. Desirably, each connector shell extends between the opposed
channels of the pair of rails and is slidably stackable within the
channels of the track.
Inventors: |
Bernhart; William Henry;
(Monroe, WA) ; Yohn; Brent David; (Newport,
PA) ; Fulponi; John A.; (Harrisburg, PA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Tyco Technology Resources
4550 New Linden Road
Wilmington
DE
19808-2952
US
|
Assignee: |
Tyco Electronics
Corporation
|
Family ID: |
36587072 |
Appl. No.: |
11/064584 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
439/131 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01R 13/518 20130101;
H01R 13/748 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
439/131 |
International
Class: |
H01R 13/44 20060101
H01R013/44 |
Claims
1. A stackable modular connector assembly, comprising: a track
including a pair of rails, each rail including a channel formed
along a length thereof, the channels of each rail being in
juxtaposed relation to one another; and at least one connector
shell supportable by the pair of rails, the at least one connector
shell defines at least one receptacle for selectively receiving a
connector, each connector shell includes a pair of tabs extending
from opposed sides thereof, each tab is configured and dimensioned
for being received in an unlocked and slidable engagement in the
channels of the rails, wherein a first rail is disposed along a
first side of the connector shell and a second rail is disposed
along a second side of the connector shell.
2. The connector assembly according to claim 1, wherein the each
tab of the at least one connector shell includes a hole formed
therein.
3. The connector assembly according to claim 2, wherein the each
rail includes a pair of apertures formed therein, wherein a first
aperture is formed near a first end of the rail and a second
aperture is formed near a second end of the rail, wherein the holes
from each connector are registerable with the corresponding
apertures formed in the pair of rails.
4. The connector assembly according to claim 3, wherein the channel
of the each rail extends the entire length thereof.
5. The connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein the each
rail includes at least one mounting hole formed therein for
securing the rail to a support structure.
6. The connector assembly according to claim 4, wherein the track
includes a web extending between and interconnecting the each rail
to one another.
7. The connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein the web
defines at least one window therein.
8. The connector assembly according to claim 7, wherein the web
includes an upper backspan and a lower backspan defining the window
therein.
9. The connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein the web
defines an aperture for each receptacle of each connector shell
positioned between the pair of rails.
10. The connector assembly according to claim 6, wherein an
upper-most and a lower-most connector shell are fastened to the
pair of rails.
11. The connector assembly according to claim 10, wherein threaded
fasteners secure the upper-most connector shell and the lower-most
connector shell to the pair of rails.
12. A stackable modular connector assembly, comprising: a track
including a pair of juxtaposed rails each defining an elongate
channel formed therein, wherein the channels are oriented toward
one another; and a plurality of connector shells operatively
engageable with the track, wherein each connector shell extends
between opposed channels of the pair of rails and is slidably
stackable within the channels of the track.
13. The connector assembly according to claim 12, wherein each
connector shell defines at least one receptacle and includes a pair
of tabs extending from opposed sides thereof, wherein the tabs are
selectively slidably engageable in the channels of the pair of
rails.
14. The connector assembly according to claim 13, wherein each tab
of the each connector shell includes a hole formed therein.
15. The connector assembly according to claim 14, wherein each rail
includes a pair of apertures formed therein, wherein a first
aperture is formed near a first end of the rail and a second
aperture is formed near a second end of the rail, wherein the holes
from the each connector shell are registerable with the
corresponding apertures formed in the pair of rails.
16. The connector assembly according to claim 15, wherein the track
includes a web extending between and interconnecting the each rail
to one another.
17. The connector assembly according to claim 16, wherein the web
defines at least one window therein.
18. The connector assembly according to claim 17, wherein an
upper-most and a lower-most connector shell are fastened to the
pair of rails.
19. The connector assembly according to claim 18, wherein threaded
fasteners secure the upper-most connector shell and the lower-most
connector shell to the pair of rails.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to electrical interconnection
assemblies and, more particularly, to stackable modularized
connector assemblies.
[0003] 2. Background of Related Art
[0004] As used in the present disclosure, the term "electrical
connector" refers to a housing containing a plurality of electrical
contact terminals which is intended to be coupled and/or mated to a
complementary electrical connector to form a connector assembly.
One type of electrical connector is in the form of a housing
assembly including a frame or shell configured and dimensioned to
support a connector module.
[0005] Connector housing assemblies of the type comprising a frame
and modules require a system for removably retaining the individual
modules in the frame in a positive manner which nonetheless permits
removal of the individual modules for servicing and/or repair.
[0006] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, the
present invention is directed to an improved module-retaining
member for retaining individual connector modules in a housing
frame of a connector housing assembly.
[0007] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure,
the invention is directed to a stackable modular general purpose
rectangular connector which may be produced via molding and/or die
casting to reduce the costs associated with manufacturing the
same.
SUMMARY
[0008] The present disclosure relates to electrical interconnection
assemblies. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to
stackable modular connector assemblies.
[0009] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a
stackable modular connector assembly, is provided. The connector
assembly includes a track having a pair of rails. Each rail
includes a channel formed along a length thereof with the channels
of each rail being in juxtaposed relation to one another. Connector
assembly further includes at least one connector shell supportable
by the pair of rails. Each connector shell defines at least one
receptacle for selectively receiving a connector. Each connector
shell further includes a pair of tabs extending from opposed sides
thereof. Each tab is configured and dimensioned for slidable
engagement in the channels of the rails. Accordingly, a first rail
is disposed along a first side of the connector shell and a second
rail is disposed along a second side of the connector shell.
[0010] Desirably, each tab of each connector shell includes a hole
formed therein. Additionally, each rail includes a pair of
apertures formed therein. Preferably, a first aperture is formed
near a first end of the rail and a second aperture is formed near a
second end of the rail. Accordingly, the holes from each connector
are registerable with the corresponding apertures formed in the
pair of rails.
[0011] It is envisioned that the channel of each rail may extend
the entire length thereof. Desirably, each rail may include at
least one mounting hole formed therein for securing the rail to a
support structure.
[0012] It is contemplated that the track may include a web
extending between and interconnecting each rail to one another. In
one embodiment, the web defines at least one window formed therein.
In this embodiment, the web may include an upper backspan and a
lower backspan defining the window therein. In another embodiment,
the web defines a window for each receptacle of each connector
shell positioned between the pair of rails.
[0013] Preferably, only an upper-most and a lower-most connector
shell are fastened to the pair of rails. It is envisioned that
threaded fasteners secure the upper-most connector shell and the
lower-most connector shell to the pair of rails.
[0014] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a
stackable modular connector assembly, is provided. The stackable
modular connector assembly includes a track having a pair of
juxtaposed rails each defining an elongate channel formed therein.
Desirably, the channels are oriented toward one another. The
stackable modular connector assembly further includes a plurality
of connector shells operatively engageable with the track.
Desirably, each connector shell extends between the opposed
channels of the pair of rails and is slidably stackable within the
channels of the track.
[0015] Each connector shell may define at least one receptacle and
desirably includes a pair of tabs extending from opposed sides
thereof. The tabs are selectively slidably engageable in the
channels of the pair of rails. It is envisioned that each tab of
each connector shell includes a hole formed therein.
[0016] Desirably, each rail includes a pair of apertures formed
therein. It is envisioned that a first aperture is formed near a
first end of the rail and a second aperture is formed near a second
end of the rail. Accordingly, the holes from each connector are
registerable with the corresponding apertures formed in the pair of
rails.
[0017] It is envisioned that the track includes a web extending
between and interconnecting each rail to one another. In an
embodiment the web defines at least one window therein.
[0018] Desirably, only an upper-most and a lower-most connector
shell are fastened to the pair of rails. It is envisioned that
threaded fasteners may be used to secure the upper-most connector
shell and the lower-most connector shell to the pair of rails.
[0019] For a better understanding of the present invention and to
show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made
by way of example to the accompanying drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a
stackable modular connector assembly according to an embodiment of
the present disclosure;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the stackable modular
connector assembly of FIG. 1, illustrating mounting of the same to
a support structure;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the stackable modular
connector assembly of FIGS. 1 and 2 mounted to support structure;
and
[0023] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a housing for a stackable
modular connector assembly according to another embodiment of the
present disclosure; and
[0024] FIG. 5 is a perspective view, with parts separated, of a
stackable modular connector assembly including a housing or track
according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0025] Embodiments of the presently disclosed stackable modular
connector assembly will now be described in detail with reference
to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify
similar or identical elements. As used herein and as is
traditional, the term "distal" refers to that portion which is
furthest from the user while the term "proximal" refers to that
portion which is closest to the user. In addition, terms such as
"above", "below", "forward", "rearward", etc. refer to the
orientation of the figures or the direction of components and are
simply used for convenience of description.
[0026] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, a stackable modular
connector assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure, is generally designated as 100. Connector assembly 100
includes a housing or track 120 configured and dimensioned to
support at least one, preferably a plurality of, connector shells
140 thereon.
[0027] As seen in FIGS. 1-3, housing or track 120 includes a pair
of spaced apart rails 122, 124 interconnected by a web 126.
Desirably, rails 122, 124 are substantially parallel to one
another. Each rail 122, 124 includes a respective longitudinally
extending channel 122a, 124a formed therein. Desirably, channels
122a, 124a are in juxtaposed relation to one another. Channels
122a, 124a desirably extend completely through at least one of a
top end 120a and a bottom end 120b of housing or track 120.
[0028] Housing or track 120 may be manufactured in specific
standard lengths or may be manufactured in a single elongate length
which may be cut as needed for a particular application or
installation. Desirably, housing or track 120 is made from a
substantially rigid plastic material which exhibits some compliancy
and resilience.
[0029] Housing or track 120 desirably includes a plurality of
mounting holes 130 which receive threaded fasteners 132 for
attaching and/or mounting housing or track 120 to a support
structure 110, such as, for example, a panel 110 as shown in FIGS.
2 and 3. Mounting holes 130 are formed in each rail 122, 124,
desirably proximate top end 120a and bottom end 120b of housing or
track 120. Additionally, mounting holes 130 are located
orthogonally outward of channels 122a, 124a (i.e., mounting holes
130 do not extend into channels 122a, 124a).
[0030] As seen in FIG. 1, web 126 of housing or track 120 includes
a plurality of apertures or windows 128 formed therein for enabling
passage of cabling, connectors and the like (not shown)
therethrough. Desirably, web 126 of housing or track 120 includes
two columns of windows 128, with each column including six windows
128 total. While an array of twelve windows 128 arranged in a pair
of columns is shown and described, it is envisioned and within the
scope of the present disclosure for web 126 to include any number
of apertures arranged in any number of rows and columns.
[0031] With continued reference to FIG. 1, each connector shell 140
includes a pair of tabs 142a, 142b extending from opposed sides
thereof. Desirably, connector shell 140 is configured and
dimensioned such that tabs 142a, 142b slidably engage and/or are
slidably receivable in corresponding channels 122a, 122b of rails
122, 124. Each connector shell 140 further includes at least one,
preferably a pair of, receptacles 144 configured and dimensioned to
selectively receive and support a connector (not shown)
therein.
[0032] As seen in FIG. 1, each connector shell 140 includes a hole
146 formed in each tab 142a, 142b for receiving a threaded fastener
148 for securing connector shell 140 to housing or track 120.
Desirably, housing or track 120 includes apertures 134 formed in
rails 122, 124 which extend into channels 122a, 124a. Apertures 134
are configured and dimensioned to receive threaded fasteners 148.
Desirably, in use, holes 146 of connector shell 140 register with
apertures 134 formed in rails 122, 124 when tabs 142a, 142b of
connector shells 140 are positioned at or near an upper and a lower
end of channels 122a, 124a. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-3,
apertures 134 are formed solely near top end 120a and near bottom
end 120b of housing or track 120 and are in registration with an
upper row of windows 128 formed in web 126 and a lower row of
windows 128 formed in web 126. Alternatively, it is envisioned that
apertures 134 may be formed along the entire length of rails 122,
124 for registration with each row of windows 128 formed in web
126.
[0033] In use, as seen in FIG. 1, connector shells 140 are slidably
connected to housing or track 120 by sliding tabs 142a, 142b into
channels 122a, 124a of rails 122, 124 either through top end 120a
or through bottom end 120b of housing or track 120. When connector
shell 140 is operatively connected to housing or track 120,
connector shell 140 is slid along channels 122a, 124a of rails 122,
124 until receptacles 144 of connector shell 140 are in
registration with desired and/or selected windows 128 of web 126.
Desirably, a plurality of connector shells 140 are inserted into
channels 122a, 124a of rails 122, 124 so as to completely fill
housing or track 120 and overlie each window 128 of web 126.
[0034] Desirably, a lower-most connector shell 140 is secured to
housing or track 120 with threaded fasteners 148 extending through
apertures 134 of rails 122, 124 and tabs 142a, 142b of connector
shell 140. Additional connector shells 140 may then be slidably
inserted into channels 122a, 124a of rails 122, 124 of housing or
track 120. Following insertion of an upper-most connector shell 140
into channels 122a, 124a of rails 122, 124 of housing or track 120,
additional threaded fasteners 148 are used to secure the upper-most
connector shell 140 to housing or track 120. Desirably, the holes
146 of the lower-most connector shell 140 and the upper-most
connector shell 140 are in registration with apertures 134 formed
in rails 122, 124.
[0035] The lower-most connector shell 140 and the upper-most
connector shell 140 function to lock the remaining connector shells
140, disposed between the upper-most and the lower-most connector
shell, in place relative to housing or track 120. Desirably, each
connector shell 140 may include a slot and/or a dovetail (not
shown) formed along a top surface and/or a bottom surface thereof
for inter-engagement with a complementary slot and/or dovetail
formed in a juxtaposed surface of an adjacent connector shell 140.
In this manner, adjacent connector shells 140 may lock with one
another when stacked one atop another within housing or track
120.
[0036] In accordance with the present disclosure, individual
connector shells 140 may be repaired and/or replaced as needed
and/or as necessary without having to replace the remainder of the
undamaged connector shells 140 and/or without having to replace the
supporting housing or track 120. The connector shell 140 in need of
repair or replacement is simply slid out of housing or track 120
either from the top end 120a or the bottom end 120b of housing or
track 120.
[0037] Turning now to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of housing or
track 120 of connector assembly 100 is shown generally as 220.
Housing or track 220 is similar to housing or track 120 and will
only be discussed in detail to the extent necessary to identify
differences in construction and operation. Housing or track 220
includes a pair of spaced apart rails 222, 224 interconnected by a
web 226. As seen in FIG. 4, web 226 of housing or track 220
includes a single enlarged window 228 formed therein for enabling
passage of cabling, connectors and the like (not shown)
therethrough. Desirably, web 226 of housing or track 220 simply
includes an upper backspan 226a and a lower backspan 226b extending
between and interconnecting rails 222, 224. Such a construction of
housing or track 220 conserves material and reduces cost.
[0038] Turning now to FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of housing or
track 120 of connector assembly 100 is shown generally as 320.
Housing or track 320 is similar to housing or track 120 and will
only be discussed in detail to the extent necessary to identify
differences in construction and operation. Housing or track 320
includes a pair of independent spaced apart rails 322, 324.
[0039] In use, rails 322, 324 function to secure a plurality of
connector shells 140 to one another. In particular, a lower-most
connector shell is secured to rails 322, 324 using threaded
fasteners 148. The remaining connector shells 140 are positioned
such that their respective tabs 142a, 142b are disposed within
channels 322a, 324a of rails 322, 324. Finally, upper-most
connector shell 140 is secured to rails 322, 324 using additional
threaded fasteners (not shown).
[0040] Essentially, when secured to rails 322, 324, the lower-most
and the upper-most connector shells 140 function as the web of
housing or track 320.
[0041] In accordance with the present disclosure, it is envisioned
that the rails (e.g., rails 122, 124, 222, 224, 322 and 324) may be
provided with shield terminations and/or grounding in respective
channels (e.g., 122a, 124a) which electrically connect to a
hardware panel or the like. Accordingly, it is envisioned that any
of the rails disclosed herein may be metallic, composite plastics,
or any combination thereof.
[0042] It is further envisioned and within the scope of the present
disclosure, as seen in FIGS. 1-5, for any of rails and/or the web
to be provided with a plurality of relatively small apertures or
holes 160 (see FIG. 1) formed therein which optionally enable
grounding of housing 120 and/or connector assembly 100 to panel "P"
or the like.
[0043] It is to be understood that the foregoing description is
merely a disclosure of particular embodiments and is no way
intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other possible
modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and all
modifications will be apparent to those in the art and all
modifications are to be defined by the following claims.
* * * * *